Reply To: Going off the Derech

apushatayid-I’m not saying that computer games and videos are the primary source of enjoyment, but when they are used, even periodically, they are extremely potent. Even Rebbes have told me that they (generally) know which kids play video games/watch videos at home by the lack of interest these kids show in the classroom. A Rebbe typically doesn’t jump up and down, with flashing lights and bells like a Mario game. It’s not that the kid is living on Mario, it’s just that the Rebbe needs a different approach to grab the attention of the child. Would you go back to watching black and white TV now that there’s color? (even if you don’t watch a lot of TV?)

“A child who is used to being stimulated by using his or her brain will be perfectly happy to be asked a question at the shabbos table and be quite happy to get involved.”

I don’t agree. Some kids want a break from the 9 hour stimulation of their brains that they get in school, and don’t want to hear/talk any Torah when they are home. And then there are other kids who like to talk Torah while food shopping.

I agree that kids tend not to go off a derech they are happy with, however I’m sure other factors play a role as well. I just think that it is a huge and difficult task to entice children these days to see the truth and beauty of the Torah, and to care about that truth and beauty. (Especially bc these are not the values reflected in our society). We can model our love of yiddishkeit in our homes, but sometimes, it just isn’t enough.